Page 77 of She's a Big Deal

“Ah… He’s a chip off the old block. He is extremely ambitious and determined to rule over his siblings. Too competitive for his own good.”

“And a homophobe, I take it?”

“Unfortunately, that is true as well.”

“Do you think he’ll be confrontational with Grace today?”

“I’m sure he’ll be sorely tempted. But he will tone it down, seeing as his father gave the green light for us all to be together.The rest of us will make up for his poor attitude if he shows one, won’t we?”

“Hundred percent, yes.”

Both women turned when the back door flew open to allow a brutal blast of icy air in and a woman who sounded revved-up in the extreme.

“I cannot believe the nerve of this—” Grace stopped mid-sentence as her eyes fell on her. Emotion flared and flickered all across her face. “Olivia.”

Charlie discreetly left the room.

“Hello there, Ms. Michaels.” Olivia nodded with a soft grin. “Who have you been raking over the coals on this fine Christmas morning?”

“A British architect who failed to understand that I enforce my deadlines.”

“Poor guy.”

“Nope. He deserved a good roasting over the fire. Lucky for him it’s Christmas, so I let him keep his job. Anyway...” Grace smiled as she pocketed her phone, stepped up to her, and took her face in both her hands. “Hello back.”

Her kiss was warm and infinitely gentle, drawing Olivia in and making her sigh. She sank against her, leaned in with both hands pressed flat over her chest, loving the feel and presence of her. She kissed her in return, slow and easy. Grace murmured in approval, then laced her arms around her waist and rested her forehead lightly against hers.

“Merry Christmas, Ms. Bianchi.”

“I wish you the best one ever, Grace.” Olivia held her back when she started to pull away. “How are you feeling? Tell me.”

Her lover shrugged, as expected, but she remained. “Ready. It’s going to be okay.”

“I think it’ll be lovely.”

“Yeah. Just remember not to take it personally.”

“Take what personally?” Olivia prompted.

“Anything any of the bunch might throw at you.” Grace’s upper lip curled with a hint of hidden temper. “I don’t think my father will start anything, or he’d have told me straight to stay away. But you never know with Jeremy. No matter what…” She cupped her chin and brushed her lips gently over hers. “I’ll be there with you.”

“Yes. And I’m not worried. I can handle my own.”

“I know.” On that, Grace straightened up. Back to brisk and businesslike, she pushed a little black box into her hand. “This is for you.”

“For me?”

Olivia stared at her in genuine surprise and she noticed her eyes soften. Grace looked like she was trying not to smile, and about to fail.

“It is Christmas after all,” she added.

Olivia melted. “You got me a present!”

“I did indeed.”

“Can I open it now?”

“Sure, you can.”

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